Rooted in resilience

Brian is originally from Bothell, Washington, but much of his life has been spent on the move. Over nearly 40 years, he lived across Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, and Portland, following work, family, and circumstance before returning to Seattle about six months ago. Through every chapter, one constant remained: his dog Brutus, who has been by his side for 10 years.

Brian first left Seattle for Texas to be with his wife. After a divorce, he moved to Mesa, where he worked as a bartender in Tempe near ASU and lived with his parents, who were originally from Arizona. When his parents divorced, Brian began bouncing between cities again, eventually making his way back to Washington when his mom returned to Everett.

He shared that he was living out of his car until it was broken into and stolen in October, right before the start of the cold season — “the worst timing,” as he described it. Around the same time, a friend promised him work but instead lied and stole from him, leaving Brian with nothing.

Brian says one of the biggest challenges of being here has been staying warm in a place with constant rain. He also spoke candidly about the judgments people make, often assuming drugs are the cause. He reminds us that “we’re all human,” that “it’s not hard to have a conversation,” and that many don’t realize how close they might be — just a few missed paychecks away — from a situation like this.

Through it all, Brutus has never left his side — a steady presence in a life shaped by movement, resilience, and survival.